Day 10...

These first few photos are actually from yesterday evening, but I wanted to include our birthday celebration for Grandpa Johnny! We started celebrating with dinner at his favorite Mexican restaurant, then it was time for presents and a very yummy, and colorful, cake made by his daughter, Brandi! A very pregnant Ashley and her husband also joined us. We were hoping this would be the last picture taken of her before she gives birth to Baby Austin!

As for today...

Day 9...

Gracie enjoyed a special treat today...

a very yummy, extra sugary, sugar cookie...

with gooey, sticky, bright red icing...and sprinkles!

You'd think she'd be smiling about it! I think she gets tired of the camera catching her every move... :)

Day 8...

Lazy Day...

Uncle William took these pictures of Gracie today! :) We just kind of took it easy this afternoon. William leaves tomorrow, so he enjoyed just hanging out with Gracie! We will miss him!

Mommy and Gracie are reading about bunny ears, she always grabs her own ears when we turn to this page. :)

Day 7...

It never gets old...

The zoo, that is. Gracie received a zoo membership as a first birthday gift from her Memaw and we have really enjoyed using it! Not only have we been able to take Gracie to the zoo at no cost, we have also used it at the N.C. Aquarium and the Natural Science Center. It's helped make our summer extra fun, and the best part is, it's actually good for a year! Anyway, we took Uncle William to the zoo with us today, he really wanted a chance to go with Gracie. Now, it was definitely hot, but we made our way through both North America and Africa, with only minor complaints of achy legs and feet.

While the animals may remain the same from trip to trip, every visit to the zoo is special. I adore watching Gracie's eyes light up with excitement as we go from exhibit to exhibit. She points frantically at the animals that really catch her attention and "chats" with Sean and I, as if to say, "Can you believe this, Mommy and Daddy?". She especially enjoys watching the turtles float through the water, they hang out right against the glass, and she loves pointing out the seals and sea lions as they zip by! Inevitably, she falls asleep in her stroller, looking perfectly peaceful, no matter the commotion around her. And I'm telling you, these are really the things about the zoo that never get old...

Day 6...

Beautiful Summer Days...

I love summer, even the hot, humid, sticky summer afternoons that leave you rosy-cheeked and desperate for even the slightest breeze. Today was one of those days. We got out of the house early, however, hoping to beat the heat of the day, and headed to the park. We found the perfect shaded spot to have our lunch, then let Gracie do what she does best while at the park, swing!

After playing at the park, we headed to the grocery store to stock up for Uncle William's visit! William is one of Sean's younger brothers. He's staying with us for the next few days, and we're planning to do some fun things while he's here. He's a hard-working man these days, so he doesn't make it to N.C. as often as we would like. This evening, he took Gracie swimming while Sean grilled hamburgers and I looked on, with camera in hand, of course. :) We're looking forward to making the most of the next few days we have with him.

Day 5...

Out and About on Sunday Afternoon...

Gracie enjoys hanging out at the train table at Barnes and Noble! She didn't get to play long this afternoon. There were two little boys playing at the table with her and she was apparently in the way of their racing trains! She did, however, have fun for a few minutes! Honestly, I can't completely blame the boys for our brief stay. As is usual during our Barnes and Noble trips (for some unknown reason), we had to whisk her away for a diaper change!

As we were leaving, Gracie found something very interesting...

Mom, what is this stuff?

Day 4...

"A baby girl...one of the most beautiful miracles in life, one of the greatest joys we can ever know, and one of the reasons why there is a little extra sunshine, laughter, and happiness in your world today." -- Author Unknown

I don't know that I could actually find a more perfect quote, or even add to it in any way... This pretty much sums it all up. :) As for today, here's Miss Grace "chatting" with Daddy on Mommy's cell phone. She misses him when he's at work!

I'm ready, Mommy! Let's go shopping!

And here is my sleepy girl this evening, getting close to "night-night" time: